Signalling your dog’s mood and temperament via a label on its collar won’t solve the world’s problems but, as an educational tool, it’s eye-catching.

It sends the message that all dogs are different and it is wise to stand back, think and ask the owner before approaching.

That’s a lesson all children should understand.

It politely sets boundaries and is a conversation starter, which can only add to understanding in our public places.

It is also a stop sign for naive owners who think their unrestrained dog is “friendly” and should be allowed to approach other dogs without permission, without realising it may be interpreted as aggression, especially if the other dog is feeling vulnerable on a leash.

However no collar is a substitute for an owner’s unvarnished judgment or vigilance.

There may well be legal implications for labelling a dog “friendly” if it subsequently attacks a child or other dog.

Yet, sadly, the problems are unlikely to be caused by an owner responsible enough to label his or her dog with a red “caution” collar, but by dogs left unleashed by negligent owners to roam, pick fights and kill pets.

The Eurobodalla has seen too many of these cases this year alone.